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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 13: Beinn Mheadhoin

Region: Cairngorms (Central Plateau)
Height: 1,182m (3,878 ft)

Beinn Mheadhoin is a remote and tor-crowned summit deep in the Cairngorms, known for its granite boulders and lochan-framed approach. Its name, “middle hill”, evokes centrality and quiet prominence, fitting for its position between Loch Etchachan and Glen Derry. For campervan travellers, access is via the Linn of Dee, with long walks and wild solitude.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Linn of Dee Car Park (National Trust Scotland)

  • Grid Reference: NO062897
  • Capacity: Large gravel area; suitable for daytime campervan access
  • Facilities: Toilets (seasonal), picnic area
  • Charges: Pay-and-display
  • Overnight: Not permitted

Alternative Options

  • Braemar: Campsite with full facilities
  • Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys
  • Ballater: Additional amenities

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Glen Derry Track via Hutchison Hut and Loch Etchachan

  • Distance: Approximately 28-30 km round trip. The standard Ascent: Via Glen Derry and Loch Etchachan, often extended to include Derry Cairngorm or Ben Macdui.
  • Elevation Gain: Around 1,200 metres
  • Terrain: Long estate tracks, granite tors, lochan-framed ridges
  • Time Estimate: 8 to 10 hours

Navigation Notes

  • Summit is a granite tor map; a compass, or GPS is essential
  • Often paired with Derry Cairngorm or Ben Macdui
  • The weather can shift dramatically across the plateau

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • The Linn of Dee car park allows daytime campervan access
  • Braemar offers overflow options

Overnight Options

  • Braemar Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
  • Wild parking may be possible
  • No overnighting permitted at the trailhead

Fuel and Supplies

  • Braemar: Shop, café, fuel station
  • Nearest large supermarket: Ballater

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: “Beinn Mheadhoin” translates to “middle hill”
  • Summit features: Granite tor with views across Loch Etchachan, Ben Macdui, and the Cairngorms
  • Known for: Remote feel, lochan elegance, and sculpted prominence
  • Popular with: Solitary walkers, legacy stewards, and those seeking a quiet central traverse

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 13 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve climbed Beinn Mheadhoin or traced its lochan approach, feel free to share your reflections. Your insights help shape the archive and support fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

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